Observation of continuous D→X and B→X XeCl excimer fluorescence in a binary-gas microwave discharge

Abstract

A method of exciting a gas discharge with 2.45-GHz microwave radiation has been developed. Using this method, truly continuous-wave discharges have been produced in mixtures of Xe and Cl2. Spectra were recorded over the range 200–320 nm. An examination of 308-nm fluorescence (B→X) as a function of gas ratios and total pressure has been completed. This has indicated that a Xe:Cl2 mixture in the ratio 40:60 at 40-Torr pressure is near optimum. In addition to the 308-nm XeCl transition, the 236-nm XeCl transition (D→X), and the 258-nm molecular chlorine transition were observed in all cases.